Ty Gibbs’ hot temper has been the center of attention since his controversial last-lap victory at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway last weekend.
While battling with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Brandon Jones on the final lap the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, Gibbs, who drives the No. 54 Toyota for his grandfather’s Joe Gibbs Racing team, intentionally hit the rear end of Jones’ No. 19 car, sending it into the wall. The ensuing pass that Gibbs made allowed him to secure his sixth victory of the season.
However, Gibbs was met with an upset crowd when he climbed from his car in Martinsville and since then, he’s been critiqued by several esteemed NASCAR figures as well as by members of the media for his lack of judgement.
“It’s really hard, you know, but we could have had two JGR cars in the Championship Four and I took that out,” Gibbs said. “I took 50 percent of Toyota’s championship and JGR’s championship away for my selfish action.”
Jones was in a must-win situation in Martinsville, while Gibbs had already secured his spot in the Championship Four. The 20-year-old admitted he was aware Jones needed to win, yet he still made the aggressive pass.
It didn’t take long for the severity of the situation to sink in.
“Right after my adrenaline calmed down and for me to watch the broadcast back and kind of see the highlights,” Gibbs said. “That’s where it starts to sink in and then, you know, seeing people not happy with me.”
Despite conjecture that Gibbs is “just a rich kid” with no concern about consequences, Gibbs is adamant that his distress over the situation is real. He has spoken with Jones and also apologized to the No. 19 crew at the race shop.
“Like JGR preaches, we’re one big family and for me to hurt feelings in a family, it really affects me,” Gibbs said.
His concern is earning respect back on all sides — from the fans, his fellow drivers, future Cup Series team owners and the Xfinity Series crews — whether it’s by “racing clean and winning the championship, or by leaving more room on the race track.” Following his many conversations this week, Gibbs is confident he will learn from his mistake.
Still, Joe Gibbs Racing has made it known that there will be consequences dealt for Gibbs’ actions.
Saturday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway will be the test for Gibbs, as he faces the potential of winning his first Xfinity Series championship. Moments of high intensity tend to bring out the worst, and with such high stakes, Gibbs is focused on keeping his mindset clear.
In the Championship Four, Gibbs will be the only driver representing Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. The remaining three drivers — Noah Gragson, Josh Berry and Justin Allgaier — all race for Chevrolet-powered JR Motorsports.
“The best thing I can do now is to go out there and win it and do the best I can for the future,” Gibbs said. “You can’t drive off the rearview mirror … All I can do is look forward. And if stuff happens, it happens and it’s out of my control.”